The Kindergarten Readiness Stakeholder Committee, convened by Illinois State Board of Education Superintendent Chris Koch, released its report in May 2011 for creating a statewide, research-based kindergarten assessment process. The committee proposed the adoption of an Illinois Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) to help identify gaps in school readiness, guide classroom instruction, and provide information for supporting decision-making about resource allocations.

In partnership with the Ounce of Prevention Fund and Advance Illinois, Jana Fleming, Herr Research Center director, and President Samuel J. Meisels facilitated the work of the committee on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The Kindergarten Readiness Stakeholder Committee represented a broad cross-section of educational, early childhood, and philanthropic expertise.